In my dreams

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In my dreams" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a wish or desire that is unlikely to happen in reality, often in a whimsical or hopeful context. Example: "Winning the lottery would be amazing, but in my dreams, I can afford a mansion by the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In my dreams.

The New York Times - Arts

In my dreams, I won.

The Guardian - Books

"In my dreams it did.

The New York Times - Books

In my dreams I always speak Spanish.

The New Yorker

In my dreams I was walking".

The New Yorker

In my dreams, I'm like Tuppence.

The Guardian

In my dreams Saunders is my fiction-writing professor.

The New York Times

In my dreams I'm almost always fishing nymphs.

The New York Times - Sports

In my dreams you are suspended in midair.

The New York Times - Magazine

"In my dreams," Lapointe said when told of Goring's sentiment.

The New York Times - Sports

In my dreams, I was never healthy again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In my dreams" to express a sense of longing or wistfulness for something that is currently out of reach or unlikely to happen. It's effective for adding a touch of humor or self-awareness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "In my dreams" in serious or formal contexts where a straightforward expression of facts or realistic goals is needed. It can be perceived as dismissive or unserious if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In my dreams" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a situation that exists only in one's imagination or desires. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is both grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "In my dreams" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used primarily to express a wish or desire that is unlikely to occur in reality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news and media contexts, often adding a touch of humor or wistfulness. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal settings, as overly formal contexts might find it out of place. Consider alternatives like "in my fantasies" or "only in my dreams" to fine-tune the sentiment. Avoid using it in strictly serious scenarios, and you'll leverage it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In my fantasies

Emphasizes a more elaborate or wishful scenario, potentially involving more detail than a simple dream.

In my imagination

Focuses on the creative aspect of envisioning something that may not be real.

If only in my dreams

Highlights the regret or longing that the scenario is not reality.

Only in my dreams

Implies that the scenario is unrealistic and unattainable.

In a perfect world

Expresses a wish for an idealized scenario, often with a broader scope than personal dreams.

Ideally

Shortened way to express desire for a perfect scenario.

In my ideal world

Expresses a personal vision of how things should be, often contrasting with reality.

If I could have it my way

Highlights personal preference and the desire to control a situation.

In a dream scenario

Directly references a preferred but unlikely situation.

Were it up to me

Emphasizes personal agency and a desire to change something according to one's own wishes.

FAQs

How can I use "In my dreams" in a sentence?

You can use "In my dreams" to express a wish that is unlikely to happen. For example, "Winning the lottery would be amazing, but in my dreams, I can afford a mansion by the beach."

What phrases are similar to "In my dreams"?

You can use alternatives like "in my fantasies", "in my imagination", or "only in my dreams" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "In my dreams" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "In my dreams" is generally better suited for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more direct and realistic expressions of goals or aspirations.

What is the difference between "In my dreams" and "Ideally"?

"In my dreams" often expresses a personal wish that is unlikely to happen, while "ideally" refers to a perfect or optimal situation that may be more attainable, though still not guaranteed.